Universal wrist brace with enhanced lacing

ABSTRACT

The present wrist brace includes an adjustable panel and an advantageous lacing configuration that provides a cast-like compression on a patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand. Pulling the lacing mechanism equilibrates lace tension along the length of the wrist brace in a way that applies consistent compression to the patient&#39;s forearm and wrist.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application hereby claims the benefit of U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 62/257,941 for a Universal Wrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (filedNov. 20, 2015) and U.S. Patent Application No. 62/400,382 for aUniversal Wrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (filed Sep. 27, 2016), eachof which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application hereby incorporates by reference U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/355,587 (filed Nov. 18, 2016), now U.S. Pat. No.10,772,753, including its appendices, and corresponding U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. US 2017/0143526 A1 (published May 25, 2017).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wrist brace for immobilizing andprotecting a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand.

BACKGROUND

Immobilizing a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand can promote healing ofbone fractures and soft-tissue injuries (e.g., sprains), and so wristbraces and supports are often used for this purpose. Conventional wristbraces are designed to fit the typical patient with somewhatfrustoconical forearms, whereby the arm tapers from the elbow to thewrist (i.e., narrower near the wrist and wider near the elbow). Forpatients with arm shapes that deviate from standard—especially obesepatients or patients with muscular forearms—conventional wrist bracescan provide a poor fit. If a patient with non-standard forearms tries tomanipulate a conventional wrist brace to apply uniform pressure to thepatient's forearm and wrist, straps for securing the wrist brace canwrap helically along—rather than circumferentially around—the patient'sforearm, rendering ineffective the mechanism for securing the wristbrace to the patient. For example, hook-and-loop fasteners can becomemisaligned and thus ineffectual.

SUMMARY

The present wrist brace includes an advantageous lacing configurationthat provides a cast-like compression on a patient's forearm, wrist, andhand to restrict flexion, extension, and lateral movement of the wristjoint. By pulling an improved lacing mechanism, tension in a laceequilibrates along the length of the wrist brace in a way that appliesconsistent compression to the patient's forearm and wrist.

Exemplary wrist braces (e.g., wrist-brace splints) include a supportsleeve (e.g., a U-shaped support sleeve) and a connecting panel (e.g., astretchable radius panel or a stretchable ulnar panel) that togetherform a closed wrist-brace sleeve, which is securely positioned around apatient's forearm. A tensioning strap, which extends from the supportsleeve, is positioned between a patient's thumb and forefinger and isreleasably secured to a size-adjustment panel positioned upon the closedwrist-brace sleeve. A lace is threaded through openings (e.g., eyelets)or other lace-redirection mechanisms positioned along one or more edgesof the support sleeve, positioned on a lacing closure tab, andpositioned on the size-adjustment panel. Regardless of the shape andgirth of the patient's forearm, pulling the lacing closure tabcircumferentially around the closed wrist-brace sleeve and thereuponreleasably securing the lacing closure tab to the size-adjustment panelachieves a cast-like compression of the wrist brace to the patient'sforearm and wrist.

In an exemplary wrist-brace embodiment, the wrist brace includes aU-shaped support sleeve having a dorsal section, a palmar section, andan ulnar section positioned between the dorsal section and the palmarsection. The U-shaped support sleeve may be formed from flexible,low-stretch material to help stabilize the patient's forearm, wrist, andhand. One or more palmar lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., palmareyelets) are positioned at or near the U-shaped support sleeve's palmarsection. A radius panel, which is typically stretchable and/or elastic,is secured to the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section and theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section so that together the U-shapedsupport sleeve and the radius panel form a closed wrist-brace sleeve. Anadjustable, outer dorsal panel is releasably affixed to the U-shapedsupport sleeve on or near the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section.One or more dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms are positioned ator near the adjustable, outer dorsal panel. The wrist brace furtherincludes at least one lacing closure tab having one or more closure-tablace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., closure-tab eyelets). A lace, whichhas a first end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel nearer theadjustable, outer dorsal panel's proximal end and a second end fixed tothe adjustable, outer dorsal panel nearer the adjustable, outer dorsalpanel's distal end, is freely threaded through the respectivedorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms, palmar lace-redirectionmechanisms, and closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms. This exemplarywrist-brace may include an oblique palmar-tensioning strap that extendsfrom the distal end of the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section. Theoblique palmar-tensioning strap is positioned between a patient's thumband forefinger and is releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeveand/or the adjustable, outer dorsal panel when the wrist brace issecured to the patient's wrist and forearm.

In another exemplary wrist-brace embodiment, the wrist brace includes aU-shaped support sleeve having a dorsal section, a palmar section, and aradius section positioned between the dorsal section and the palmarsection. The U-shaped support sleeve may be formed from flexible,low-stretch material to help stabilize the patient's forearm, wrist, andhand. One or more palmar lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., palmareyelets) are positioned at or near the U-shaped support sleeve's palmarsection. An ulnar panel, which is typically stretchable and/or elastic,is secured to the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section and theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section so that together the U-shapedsupport sleeve and the ulnar panel form a closed wrist-brace sleeve. Anadjustable, outer dorsal panel is releasably affixed to the U-shapedsupport sleeve on or near the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section.One or more dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms are positioned ator near the adjustable, outer dorsal panel. The wrist brace furtherincludes at least one lacing closure tab having one or more closure-tablace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., closure-tab eyelets). A lace, whichhas a first end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel nearer theadjustable, outer dorsal panel's proximal end and a second end fixed tothe adjustable, outer dorsal panel nearer the adjustable, outer dorsalpanel's distal end, is freely threaded through the respectivedorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms, palmar lace-redirectionmechanisms, and closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms. This exemplarywrist-brace may include a thumb-tensioning strap that extends from thedistal end of the U-shaped support sleeve's radius section. Thethumb-tensioning strap is positioned between a patient's thumb andforefinger, wrapped around the patient's thumb, and then securely andreleasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve and/or the adjustable,outer dorsal panel when the wrist brace is secured to the patient'swrist and forearm.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplaryobjectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in whichthe same are accomplished, are further explained within the followingdetailed description and its accompanying drawings and photographs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-5 are perspective views of an exemplary wrist-brace embodimenthaving an advantageous lacing configuration.

FIGS. 6-7 are perspective views of another exemplary wrist-braceembodiment having an advantageous lacing configuration.

FIGS. 8-12 are perspective views of yet another exemplary wrist-braceembodiment having an advantageous lacing configuration.

FIGS. 13-14 are perspective views of yet another exemplary wrist-braceembodiment having an advantageous lacing configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present wrist braces with improved lacing are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, which depict exemplarywrist-brace embodiments that should not be construed as limiting thescope of the invention. Rather, the exemplary wrist-brace embodimentsare provided so this disclosure will be thorough and complete to conveyto those having ordinary skill in the art the scope of the invention. Inthe accompanying drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

As described herein, the terms “interior surface” and “inner surface”refer to a planar side closest to the patient's hand, and the terms“exterior surface” and “outer surface” refer to a planar side farthestfrom the patient's hand (i.e., an outer surface is opposite an innersurface).

The term “section” refers in context to a portion or an area of thewrist-brace sleeve. The term “dorsal” refers to the topside of the wristbrace or hand. The term “palmar” refers to the underside of the wristbrace or hand (i.e., the palm). The term “radius” refers to the innerside of the wrist brace, hand, and/or wrist (i.e., the thumb side of theforearm). The term “ulnar” refers to the outer side of the wrist brace,hand, and/or wrist (i.e., the side of the forearm opposite the thumb).The term “proximal” refers to the part of the wrist brace or hand thatis closer to the patient's elbow, and the term “distal” refers to thepart of the wrist brace or hand farther from the patient's elbow.

The terms “positioned” or “positioning” are used conventionally toembrace one element being fixed or releasably secured to anotherelement. For example, a first element may be positioned against a secondelement (or positioned between second and third elements) by sewing, byhook-and-loop fasteners, or by other known mechanisms for physicallyattaching physical elements to each other. The terms “fixed,” “affixed,”and “secured” may include sewn, made integral with, adhered withadhesive, or bonded (e.g., fused with heat).

The terms “freely threaded” and “freely interlaced” are used herein inaccordance with the wrist-brace embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-14 torefer to a lace that is moveably connected to a lace-redirectionmechanism, such as an eyelet, rather than fixedly attached to alace-redirection mechanism. For example, as described herein, a lacethat is “freely threaded” through a closure-tab lace-redirectionmechanism, which is positioned on or otherwise formed through a lacingclosure tab, can facilitate movement of the lacing closure tab along thelace.

FIGS. 1-5 depict an exemplary wrist-brace embodiment that can be readilyadjusted to accommodate different patient forearm sizes. FIGS. 6-7depict similar, but longer, exemplary wrist-brace embodiment that can bereadily adjusted to accommodate different patient forearm sizes. Eachwrist brace is configured for either a left forearm, wrist, and hand ora right forearm, wrist, and hand. Those having ordinary skill in the artwill understand that a left-hand orientation is a mirror image of aright-hand orientation. FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a right-hand orientation.Appendix I includes photographs of an exemplary prototype of theuniversal wrist brace depicted in FIGS. 1-5 , and Appendix II includesphotographs of an exemplary prototype of the longer universal wristbrace depicted in FIGS. 6-7 . The description of the shorter wrist-braceembodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5 typically applies to the longerwrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6-7 , except as noted in thesupporting description, figures, and photographs.

With reference to the exemplary wrist brace 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-5(and, as noted, the related, longer exemplary wrist brace 10′ depictedin FIGS. 6-7 ), the wrist brace 10 includes a closed wrist-brace sleeve12 defining an interior surface and an exterior surface. The closedwrist-brace sleeve 12 is formed by a stretchable radius panel 14connected to a U-shaped support sleeve 20, which might also beconsidered a C-shaped support sleeve.

The U-shaped support sleeve 20 includes a topside dorsal section 22, anulnar section 24, and an underside palmar section 26. The ulnar section24 is contiguously positioned between the dorsal section 22 and thepalmar section 26 to define the U-shaped support sleeve 20. The topsidedorsal section 22 is positioned opposite the underside palmar section26, and the ulnar section 24 is positioned opposite the stretchableradius panel 14. Typically, the U-shaped support sleeve 20, which opensto a patient's forearm radius, is substantially inelastic (e.g., formedfrom flexible, low-stretch material) to help stabilize the patient'swrist and hand.

As used herein, the term “elastic” generally refers to material that canbe readily stretched or expanded, and then can return to its initialshape (i.e., elastic materials resist deformation by stretching), andthe term “inelastic” generally refers to material that resistsstretching and elongation. The U-shaped support sleeve 20 may beconstructed of lightweight suede-like polymeric materials or otherlightweight fabrics (e.g., nylon or PVC) having excellent strength anddurability. The interior surface of the U-shaped support sleeve 20 maybe enhanced with nonwoven polymeric materials (e.g., nonwovenpolyolefins), such as felt fabric, to provide cushioning and support.

The stretchable radius panel 14, which may be cushioned for thepatient's comfort, is affixed to both the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section 22 and the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26,thereby closing the gap in the U-shaped support sleeve 20 to form theclosed wrist-brace sleeve 12. In addition, the stretchable radius panel14 is typically positioned within the gap in the U-shaped support sleeve20 to define both an outer dorsal strip 23 and an outer palmar strip 27.More specifically, the outer dorsal strip 23 is defined by thestretchable radius panel 14 and an adjacent outer edge of the U-shapedsupport sleeve 20, and the outer palmar strip 27 is defined by thestretchable radius panel 14 and an adjacent outer edge of the U-shapedsupport sleeve 20.

Exemplary wrist braces according to the present invention can includeone or more size-adjustment panels to accommodate different patientforearm shapes and sizes. For example, as depicted in the exemplarywrist braces depicted in FIGS. 1-7 , an adjustable, outer dorsal panel50 (e.g., a size-adjustment panel) is positioned upon the U-shapedsupport sleeve 20 at or near the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsalsection 22. Typically, the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 isreleasably affixed to the exterior surface of the U-shaped supportsleeve 20 (e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO-brandfasteners). Patients can readily change the positioning of theadjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 upon the U-shaped support sleeve 20 toaccommodate different forearm sizes. For example, in the exemplary wristbraces depicted in FIGS. 1-7 , positioning the adjustable, outer dorsalpanel 50 laterally toward the patient's index finger functionallyenlarges the wrist-brace fitting size, whereas positioning adjustable,outer dorsal panel 50 laterally toward the patient's ring fingerfunctionally reduces the wrist-brace fitting size. To facilitate this,one or more dorsal-panel eyelets 52 (or similar openings, such asreinforced holes and/or slots, or other dorsal-panel lace-redirectionmechanisms, such as loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) areformed through or otherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positionedupon) the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50.

In alternative embodiments, an adjustable, outer palmar panel (e.g., asize-adjustment panel) can be employed instead of (or in addition to) anadjustable, outer dorsal panel 50. An adjustable, outer palmar panel(not shown) is positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve 20 at or nearthe U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26. Typically, theadjustable, outer palmar panel, which can include a conformingpalmar-panel stay, is releasably affixed to the exterior surface of theU-shaped support sleeve 20 (e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners, such asVELCRO-brand fasteners). Patients can adjust the positioning of theadjustable, outer palmar panel upon the U-shaped support sleeve 20 toaccommodate different forearm sizes. Similarly, an adjustable, outerulnar panel (not shown) can be positioned upon the U-shaped supportsleeve 20 at or near the U-shaped support sleeve's ulnar section 24.

An oblique palmar-tensioning strap 16 extends from the distal end of theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26. The obliquepalmar-tensioning strap 16 is positioned between the patient's thumb andforefinger (i.e., near the thenar space) and then securely andreleasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 22and/or adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 (e.g., via hook-and-loopfasteners, such as VELCRO-brand fasteners). The obliquepalmar-tensioning strap 16 helps to position and secure the wrist brace10 to the patient's wrist and forearm. An optional palmar pad 18, whichis positioned at the transition between the U-shaped support sleeve'spalmar section 26 and the oblique palmar-tensioning strap 16, providesthe patient with enhanced comfort and support.

The U-shaped support sleeve 20 and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50can include stabilizing members to limit flexion and extension. In theexemplary wrist-brace embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and FIGS. 6-7 ,a longitudinal stiffening dorsal-panel stay 54 is internally securedwithin outer dorsal panel 50, and a longitudinal stiffening palmar stay29 is internally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve's palmarsection 26. As shown in FIG. 2 , the palmar stay 29 conforms to theshape of the patient's forearm, wrist, and palm. In some wrist-braceembodiments, such as depicted in FIG. 3 , a longitudinal stiffeningdorsal stay 28 may be internally secured within the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section 22. In addition, a longitudinal ulnar stay (notshown) can be internally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve'sulnar section 24. Including stays on two or more sides of the wristbrace (e.g., a wrist brace having a palmar stay, a dorsal stay, and anulnar stay) protects against impact forces and helps reduce thelikelihood of reinjuring the patient's wrist and hand.

The stabilizing members (i.e., stays) may be formed from metals, alloys,plastics, or other materials providing sufficient rigidity to resistmovement and retain a desired shape while maintaining adequateadjustability for wear on the forearm, wrist, and hand. Typically, thestabilizing members are made of aluminum. In some embodiments, thestabilizing members can be manually adjusted to conform to the shape ofthe patient's forearm, wrist, and/or palm. Adjustable stabilizingmembers are sufficiently rigid to resist movement of the U-shapedsupport sleeve's distal end relative to the U-shaped support sleeve'sproximal end and are sufficiently strong to provide protection againstforces acting against the wrist brace (e.g., impact forces). Thestabilizing members (i.e., stays) may be permanently secured within thewrist brace (e.g., an internally secured permanent stay) or may bepositioned within pockets formed in the U-shaped support sleeve tofacilitate placement and removal of the stays (e.g., an internallysecured removable stay). Alternatively, the stabilizing members might beexternally secured to the U-shaped support sleeve.

Palmar eyelets 37 (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/orslots, or other palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops,hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) are formed through or otherwisepositioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section 26 (e.g., at the outer palmar strip 27). Theshorter exemplary wrist brace 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-5 includes fourpalmar eyelets 37 a, 37 c, 37 e, 37 g. The longer exemplary wrist brace10′ depicted in FIGS. 6-7 includes six palmar eyelets 37 a, 37 c, 37 e,37 g, 37 i, 37 k. Though not depicted in these embodiments, one or moredorsal eyelets (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/orslots, or other dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops,hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) can be formed through orotherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the U-shapedsupport sleeve's dorsal section 22 (e.g., at the outer dorsal strip 23).Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that exemplarywrist braces according to the present invention may employ anylace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., reinforced openings, or externalloops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) in addition to or insteadof eyelets.

The shorter exemplary wrist brace 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-5 includes alacing closure tab 30 through which one or more closure-tab eyelets 31are formed. The longer exemplary wrist brace 10′ depicted in FIGS. 6-7includes multiple lacing closure tabs 30′ and 30″ through which one ormore closure-tab eyelets 31 are formed. More generally, closure-tabeyelets 31 (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/or slots,or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops, hooks,folded webbing, and/or buckles) may be formed through or otherwisepositioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the lacing closure tab(s)30. Each lacing closure tab 30 includes a mechanism, such as ahook-and-loop fastener, to releasably secure the lacing closure tab 30to another part of the wrist brace 10. In the shorter exemplarywrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5 , two closure-tab eyelets31 b, 31 f are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the lacingclosure tab 30. In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depictedin FIGS. 6-7 , one closure-tab eyelet 31 b is formed through orotherwise positioned upon the proximal lacing closure tab 30′ and twoclosure-tab eyelets 31 f, 31 j are formed through or otherwisepositioned upon the distal lacing closure tab 30″. The closure-tabeyelets 31 help to ensure that each lacing closure tab 30 remainscentered on the U-shaped support sleeve 20 as the lacing closure tab 30is pulled over and around the closed wrist-brace sleeve 12.

A lace 40 is freely threaded (or otherwise interlaced) through therespective dorsal-panel eyelet(s) 52, palmar eyelets 37, and closure-tabeyelets 31. The lace 40, which typically resists excessive stretching,can move freely to accommodate the typical non-cylindrical anatomy of apatient's forearm in which the arm tapers from the elbow to the wrist(e.g., a frustoconical shape). This free movement of the lace 40facilitates consistent tension along the lace 40. This even tension istransferred to the respective dorsal-panel eyelet(s) 52, palmar eyelets37, and closure-tab eyelets 31 through which the lace 40 is interlaced.

Each lacing closure tab 30 is moveably connected to the lace 40. Whenthe lacing closure tab 30 is not releasably secured to another part ofthe wrist brace (e.g., releasably affixed to the closed wrist-bracesleeve 12), the lacing closure tab 30 can move substantially freelyalong the lace 40. The shorter exemplary wrist brace 10 depicted inFIGS. 1-5 does not fixedly attach the one lace 40 to the lacing closuretab 30, either fully or partially. Similarly, the longer exemplary wristbrace 10′ depicted in FIGS. 6-7 does not fixedly attach the one lace 40to the respective closure tabs 30′ and 30″, either fully or partially.Rather, in these exemplary wrist-brace embodiments, the lace 40 may passsubstantially freely through each of the closure-tab eyelets 31. Asdepicted in FIGS. 1-7 , each strand of lace 40 from a palmar eyelet 37to a closure tab 30 is freely threaded through a closure-tab eyelet 31.This “free-floating” closure-tab design enables the patient to readilyequilibrate lace tension through the various eyelets (i.e., the palmareyelets 37 and the dorsal-panel eyelet(s) 52) positioned along thelength of the wrist brace in a way that applies substantially consistentcompression to the patient's forearm and wrist. The lace 40 and eachmoveably attached lacing closure tab 30 wrap circumferentiallyaround—rather than helically along—the patient's forearm in a way thatuniformly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve 12.

Typically, one lace 40 has a first end fixed to the proximal end of theadjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 and a second end fixed to the distalend of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50. In an exemplaryembodiment, the one or more dorsal-panel eyelets 52 (or similaropenings, such as loops, or other lace-redirection mechanisms), such ashooks are positioned between the lace's first fixed end and the lace'ssecond fixed end.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 in which the ends of lace 40 are fixed tothe adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50, pulling the lacing closure tab 30away from the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26 (and over andaround the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 22 and theadjustable, outer dorsal panel 50) uniformly closes and tensions theclosed wrist-brace sleeve 12 by drawing together the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section 26 and the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsalsection 22. These same considerations apply to wrist-brace embodimentsthat include multiple lacing closure tabs, such as the proximal lacingclosure tab 30′ and the distal lacing closure tab 30″ illustrated inFIGS. 6-7 .

Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the closingmechanisms will differ for wrist-brace embodiments that employ either anadjustable, outer palmar panel or an adjustable, outer ulnar panelinstead of an adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50. For example,wrist-brace embodiments that employ an adjustable, outer palmar panelwill also typically employ dorsal eyelets. For such wrist-braceembodiments, pulling the lacing closure tab away from the U-shapedsupport sleeve's dorsal section (and over and around the U-shapedsupport sleeve's palmar section and the adjustable, outer palmar panel)uniformly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve by drawingtogether the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section and the U-shapedsupport sleeve's palmar section.

Moreover, it is within the scope of the present wrist-brace invention toinclude one or more external flaps (not shown) on the exterior of theU-shaped support sleeve to facilitate redirection of the lace. Forexample, in a wrist-brace embodiment employing an outer dorsal panel, apalmar flap having eyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms can bepositioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section (e.g., nearthe stretchable radius panel), and the lace may be guided through thepalmar flap's lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., eyelets), theclosure-tab eyelets (or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms),and the dorsal-panel eyelets (or other dorsal-panel lace-redirectionmechanisms) to promote even closure of the closed wrist-brace sleeve andto achieve cast-like compression on a patient's forearm, wrist, andhand. Alternatively, in a wrist-brace embodiment employing an outerpalmar panel, for example, a dorsal flap having eyelets or otherlace-redirection mechanisms can be positioned upon the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section (e.g., near the stretchable radius panel), andthe lace may be guided through the dorsal flap's lace-redirectionmechanisms (e.g., eyelets), the closure-tab eyelets (or otherclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms), and the palmar-panel eyelets(or other palmar-panel lace-redirection mechanisms) to promote evenclosure of the closed wrist-brace sleeve and to achieve cast-likecompression on a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand.

In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3-5 ,a single lace 40 has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the adjustable,outer dorsal panel 50 nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel'sproximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation 41 p toward the proximal end ofthe adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50) and (ii) a second distal endfixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 nearer the adjustable,outer dorsal panel's distal end (i.e., a distal fixation 41 d toward thedistal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50). In the shorterexemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3-5 , onedorsal-panel eyelet 52 d is centrally formed through or otherwisepositioned upon the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 between the lace'sproximal fixation 41 p and the lace's distal fixation 41 d, and fourpalmar eyelets 37 a, 37 c, 37 e, 37 g are formed along outer palmarstrip 27.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS.3-5 , the wrist brace 10 includes a compression-enhancing lacingconfiguration that readily equilibrates (e.g., simultaneously evens) thetension in the lace 40 as the lacing closure tab 30 is extended from theclosed wrist-brace sleeve 12. From the proximal end of the wrist brace10 to the distal end of the wrist brace 10, the lace 40 passes from itsproximal fixation 41 p to and through an outer proximal palmar eyelet 37a, to and through a proximal closure-tab eyelet 31 b, to and through aninner proximal palmar eyelet 37 c, and to and through a dorsal-paneleyelet 52 d. The lace 40 then passes from the dorsal-panel eyelet 52 dto and through an inner distal palmar eyelet 37 e, to and through adistal closure-tab eyelet 31 f, to and through an outer distal palmareyelet 37 g, and to the distal fixation 41 d.

In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6-7 , asingle lace 40 has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the adjustable,outer dorsal panel 50 nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel'sproximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation 41 p toward the proximal end ofthe adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50) and (ii) a second distal endfixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 nearer the adjustable,outer dorsal panel's distal end (i.e., a distal fixation 41 d toward thedistal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50). In the longerexemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6-7 , twodorsal-panel eyelets 52 d, 52 h are formed through or otherwisepositioned upon the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 between the lace'sproximal fixation 41 p and the lace's distal fixation 41 d, and sixpalmar eyelets 37 a, 37 c, 37 e, 37 g, 37 i, 37 k are formed along outerpalmar strip 27.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS.6-7 , the wrist brace 10′ includes a compression-enhancing lacingconfiguration that readily equilibrates the tension in the lace 40 asthe lacing closure tabs 30′, 30″ are extended from the closedwrist-brace sleeve 12. From the proximal end of the wrist brace 10′ tothe distal end of the wrist brace 10′, the lace 40 passes from itsproximal fixation 41 p to and through an outermost proximal palmareyelet 37 a, to and through a closure-tab eyelet 31 b formed in theproximal lacing closure tab 30′, to and through a central proximalpalmar eyelet 37 c, and to a proximal dorsal-panel eyelet 52 d. The lace40 then passes through the proximal dorsal-panel eyelet 52 d to andthrough an inner proximal palmar eyelet 37 e, to and through a firstdistal closure-tab eyelet 31 f formed in the distal lacing closure tab30″, to and through an inner distal palmar eyelet 37 g, and to a distaldorsal-panel eyelet 52 h. The lace 40 then passes through the distaldorsal-panel eyelet 52 h, to and through a central distal palmar eyelet37 i, to and through a second distal closure-tab eyelet 31 j formed inthe distal lacing closure tab 30″, to and through an outermost distalpalmar eyelet 37 k, and to the distal fixation 41 d.

Optionally, the lace 40 passes through one or more lacing channels 42,which may be secured to or otherwise formed in the stretchable radiuspanel 14. In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted inFIGS. 3-5 , the lace 40 passes through one lacing channel 42 secured tothe stretchable radius panel 14 as the lace 40 passes from the outerdistal palmar eyelet 37 g to the distal fixation 41 d. In the longerexemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6-7 , the lace 40passes through one lacing channel 42 secured to the stretchable radiuspanel 14 as the lace 40 passes from the outermost distal palmar eyelet37 k to the distal fixation 41 d. As will be appreciated by those havingordinary skill in the art, each lacing channel 42 should be positionedto facilitate passage of the lace 40 between the outer palmar strip 27and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 (or between the outer palmarstrip 27 and the outer dorsal strip 23 if dorsal eyelets are formedthrough or otherwise positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section 22 at the outer dorsal strip 23). For example,positioning lacing channel(s) 42 at either the distal end or theproximal end of the stretchable radius panel 14, or both the distal endand the proximal end of the stretchable radius panel 14, helps tomaintain the proper positioning of stretchable radius panel 14 againstthe patient's forearm. In practice, securing the lace 40 to thestretchable radius panel 14 via one or more lacing channels 42,typically at the distal end and/or proximal end of a cushioned,stretchable radius panel 14, reduces patient discomfort by preventingthe lace 40 from migrating beyond the end of the stretchable radiuspanel 14 when the wrist brace 10 is compressively and securely appliedto the patient's wrist and forearm.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-5 and FIGS. 6-7 , hook-and-loop fasteners 45 are secured to thesurfaces of the wrist brace 10 to facilitate closure of the wrist brace10 to the patient's forearm, wrist, and hand. For example,loop-fasteners 46 (e.g., loop-fastener strips) can be secured to theouter surfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve 20, typically at thetopside dorsal section 22, the ulnar section 24, and the undersidepalmar section 26, and to the outer surface of the adjustable, outerdorsal panel 50. Hook-fasteners 47 are provided elsewhere on the wristbrace 10, such as on the inner surface of the adjustable, outer dorsalpanel 50, on an inner surface of each lacing closure tab 30, and on asurface at the end of the oblique palmar-tensioning strap 16. Forexample, hook-fasteners 47 applied to the inner surface of theadjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 facilitate releasable affixation tothe loop-fastener 46 secured to the outer surfaces of the U-shapedsupport sleeve 20 (e.g., the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 can bereleasably affixed to the topside dorsal section 22 and/or the ulnarsection 24 via hook-and-loop fasteners). Loop-fasteners 46 applied tothe outer surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 and the outersurfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve 20 facilitate releasableaffixation by each lacing closure tab 30 and the obliquepalmar-tensioning strap 16.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and FIGS. 6-7 , the patient may secure thewrist brace 10 to his forearm, wrist, and hand by pulling a lacingclosure tab 30 perpendicularly away from the U-shaped support sleeve'spalmar section 26 and over and around the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section 22 and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50. This evenlycloses and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve 12 by drawing togetherthe U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26 and the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section 22. Depending on the girth of the patient'sforearm, the hook-fasteners 47 on a surface of the lacing closure tab 30will engage one or more loop-fasteners 46 positioned upon the outersurface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 50 and/or the respectiveouter surfaces of the dorsal section 22, the ulnar section 24, and/orthe palmar section 26. The hook-fastener 47 at the end of the obliquepalmar-tensioning strap 16 can be releasably secured to the adjustable,outer dorsal panel 50 and/or the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsalsection 22 or ulnar section 24.

FIGS. 8-12 depict an exemplary wrist-brace embodiment that can bereadily adjusted to accommodate different patient forearm sizes. FIGS.13-14 depict a similar, but longer, exemplary wrist-brace embodimentthat can be readily adjusted to accommodate different patient forearmsizes.

Each of these wrist braces includes more substantial thumb support ascompared with the wrist-brace embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-7 . Aswith the wrist-brace embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-7 , the wrist braceembodiments depicted in FIGS. 8-14 are configured for either a leftforearm, wrist, and hand or a right forearm, wrist, and hand. Thosehaving ordinary skill in the art will understand that a left-handorientation is a mirror image of a right-hand orientation. FIGS. 8-14illustrate a right-hand orientation. Appendix III includes photographsof an exemplary prototype of the universal wrist brace depicted in FIGS.8-12 , and Appendix IV includes photographs of an exemplary prototype ofthe longer universal wrist brace depicted in FIGS. 13-14 . Thedescription of the shorter wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8-12typically applies to the longer wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS.6-7 , except as noted in the supporting description, figures, andphotographs.

With reference to the exemplary wrist brace 110 depicted in FIGS. 8-12(and, as noted, the related, longer exemplary wrist brace 110′ depictedin FIGS. 13-14 ), the wrist brace 110 includes a closed wrist-bracesleeve 112 defining an interior surface and an exterior surface. Theclosed wrist-brace sleeve 112 is formed by a stretchable ulnar panel 124connected to a U-shaped support sleeve 120.

The U-shaped support sleeve 120 includes a topside dorsal section 122, aradius section 114, and an underside palmar section 126. The radiussection 114, which is designed to extend to the base of a patient'sthumb, is contiguously positioned between the dorsal section 122 and thepalmar section 126 to define the U-shaped support sleeve 120. Thetopside dorsal section 122 is positioned opposite the underside palmarsection 126, and the radius section 114 is positioned opposite thestretchable ulnar panel 124. Typically, the U-shaped support sleeve 120,which opens to a patient's forearm radius, is substantially inelastic(e.g., formed from flexible, low-stretch material) to help stabilize thepatient's wrist and hand.

The stretchable ulnar panel 124, which may be cushioned for thepatient's comfort, is affixed to both the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section 122 and the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 126,thereby closing the gap in the U-shaped support sleeve 120 to form theclosed wrist-brace sleeve 112. In addition, the stretchable ulnar panel124 is typically positioned within the gap in the U-shaped supportsleeve 120 to define both an outer dorsal strip 123 and an outer palmarstrip 127. More specifically, the outer dorsal strip 123 is defined bythe stretchable ulnar panel 124 and an adjacent outer edge of theU-shaped support sleeve 120, and the outer palmar strip 127 is definedby the stretchable ulnar panel 124 and an adjacent outer edge of theU-shaped support sleeve 120.

Exemplary wrist braces according to the present invention can includeone or more size-adjustment panels to accommodate different patientforearm shapes and sizes. For example, as depicted in the exemplarywrist braces depicted in FIGS. 8-14 , an adjustable, outer dorsal panel150 (e.g., a size-adjustment panel) is positioned upon the U-shapedsupport sleeve 120 at or near the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsalsection 122. Typically, the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 isreleasably affixed to the exterior surface of the U-shaped supportsleeve 120 (e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO-brandfasteners). Patients can readily change the positioning of theadjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 upon the U-shaped support sleeve 120to accommodate different forearm sizes. For example, in the exemplarywrist braces depicted in FIGS. 8-14 , positioning the adjustable, outerdorsal panel 150 laterally toward the patient's index fingerfunctionally reduces the wrist-brace fitting size, whereas positioningadjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 laterally toward the patient's ringfinger functionally enlarges the wrist-brace fitting size. To facilitatethis, one or more dorsal-panel eyelets 152 (or similar openings, such asreinforced holes and/or slots, or other dorsal-panel lace-redirectionmechanisms, such as loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) areformed through or otherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positionedupon) the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150.

In alternative embodiments, an adjustable, outer palmar panel (e.g., asize-adjustment panel) can be employed instead of (or in addition to) anadjustable, outer dorsal panel 150. An adjustable, outer palmar panel(not shown) is positioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve 120 at ornear the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 126. Typically, theadjustable, outer palmar panel, which can include a conformingpalmar-panel stay, is releasably affixed to the exterior surface of theU-shaped support sleeve 120 (e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners, such asVELCRO-brand fasteners). Patients can adjust the positioning of theadjustable, outer palmar panel upon the U-shaped support sleeve 120 toaccommodate different forearm sizes. Similarly, an adjustable, innerradius panel (not shown) can be positioned upon the U-shaped supportsleeve 120 at or near the U-shaped support sleeve's radius section 114.

A thumb-tensioning strap 117 extends from the distal end of the U-shapedsupport sleeve's radius section 114. The thumb-tensioning strap 117 ispositioned between the patient's thumb and forefinger, wrapped aroundthe patient's thumb, and then securely and releasably affixed to theU-shaped support sleeve's radius section 114 (e.g., via hook-and-loopfasteners, such as VELCRO-brand fasteners) and/or the adjustable, outerdorsal panel 150. The thumb-tensioning strap 117 not only helps toposition and secure the wrist brace 110 to the patient's wrist andforearm, but also helps to position and secure the support sleeve'sradius section 114 against the base of the patient's thumb. Optionalpadding 118, which is positioned near the thumb-tensioning strap 117,such as upon the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 126 and/or theU-shaped support sleeve's radius section 114, provides the patient withenhanced comfort and support. More generally, padding may be applied tothe interior surfaces of the closed wrist-brace sleeve 112 to helpengage the patient's wrist and hand and to improve patient comfort.

The U-shaped support sleeve 120 and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel150 can include stabilizing members to limit flexion and extension. Inthe exemplary wrist-brace embodiments depicted in FIGS. 8-12 and FIGS.13-14 , a longitudinal stiffening dorsal-panel stay 154 is internallysecured within the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150, a longitudinalstiffening radius stay 115 is internally secured within the U-shapedsupport sleeve's radius section 114, and a longitudinal stiffeningpalmar stay 129 is internally secured within the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section 126. As shown in FIG. 8 , the radius stay 115conforms to the shape of the patient's forearm, wrist, and thumb. Asshown in FIG. 9 , the palmar stay 129 conforms to the shape of thepatient's forearm, wrist, and palm. In some wrist-brace embodiments suchas depicted in FIG. 10 , a longitudinal stiffening dorsal stay 128 maybe internally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsalsection 122. Including stays on two or more sides of the wrist brace(e.g., a wrist brace having a dorsal stay, a radius stay, and a palmarstay) protects against impact forces and helps reduce the likelihood ofreinjuring the patient's wrist and hand.

Palmar eyelets 137 (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/orslots, or other palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops,hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) are formed through or otherwisepositioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section 126 (e.g., at the outer palmar strip 127). Theshorter exemplary wrist brace 110 depicted in FIGS. 8-12 includes fourpalmar eyelets 137 a, 137 c, 137 e, 137 g. The longer exemplary wristbrace 110′ depicted in FIGS. 13-14 includes six palmar eyelets 137 a,137 c, 137 e, 137 g, 137 i, 137 k. Though not depicted in theseembodiments, one or more dorsal eyelets (or similar openings, such asreinforced holes or slots, or other dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms,such as loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) can be formedthrough or otherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) theU-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 122 (e.g., at the outer dorsalstrip 123). Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand thatexemplary wrist braces according to the present invention may employ anylace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., reinforced holes and slots, orexternal loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) in addition to orinstead of eyelets.

The shorter exemplary wrist brace 110 depicted in FIGS. 8-12 includes alacing closure tab 130 through which one or more closure-tab eyelets 131are formed. The longer exemplary wrist brace 110′ depicted in FIGS.13-14 includes multiple lacing closure tabs 130′ and 130″ through whichone or more closure-tab eyelets 131 are formed. More generally,closure-tab eyelets 131 (or similar openings, such as reinforced holesand/or slots, or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms, such asloops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) may be formed through orotherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the lacingclosure tab(s) 130. Each lacing closure tab 130 includes a mechanism,such as a hook-and-loop fastener, to releasably secure the lacingclosure tab 130 to another part of the wrist brace 110. In the shorterexemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8-12 , twoclosure-tab eyelets 131 b, 131 f are formed through or otherwisepositioned upon the lacing closure tab 130. In the longer exemplarywrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 13-14 , one closure-tab eyelet131 b is formed through or otherwise positioned upon the proximal lacingclosure tab 130′ and two closure-tab eyelets 131 f, 131 j are formedthrough or otherwise positioned upon the distal lacing closure tab 130″.The closure-tab eyelets 131 help to ensure that each lacing closure tab130 remains centered on the U-shaped support sleeve 120 as the lacingclosure tab 130 is pulled over and around the closed wrist-brace sleeve112.

A lace 140 is freely threaded (or otherwise interlaced) through therespective dorsal-panel eyelet(s) 152, palmar eyelets 137, andclosure-tab eyelets 131. The lace 140 can move freely to accommodate thetypical non-cylindrical anatomy of a patient's forearm in which the armtapers from the elbow to the wrist (e.g., a frustoconical shape). Thisfree movement of the lace 140 facilitates consistent tension along thelace 140. This even tension is transferred to the respectivedorsal-panel eyelet(s) 152, palmar eyelets 137, and closure-tab eyelets131 through which the lace 140 is interlaced.

Each lacing closure tab 130 is moveably connected to the lace 140. Whenthe lacing closure tab 130 is not releasably secured to another part ofthe wrist brace (e.g., releasably affixed to the closed wrist-bracesleeve 112), the lacing closure tab 130 can move substantially freelyalong the lace 140. The shorter exemplary wrist brace 110 depicted inFIGS. 8-12 does not fixedly attach the one lace 140 to the lacingclosure tab 130, either fully or partially. Similarly, the longerexemplary wrist brace 110′ depicted in FIGS. 13-14 does not fixedlyattach the one lace 140 to the respective closure tabs 130′ and 130″,either fully or partially. Rather, in these exemplary wrist-braceembodiments, the lace 140 may pass substantially freely through each ofthe closure-tab eyelets 131. As depicted in FIGS. 8-14 , each strand oflace 140 from a palmar eyelet 137 to a closure tab 130 is freelythreaded through a closure-tab eyelet 131. This “free-floating”closure-tab design enables the patient to readily equilibrate lacetension through the various eyelets (i.e., the palmar eyelets 137 andthe dorsal-panel eyelet(s) 152) positioned along the length of the wristbrace in a way that applies substantially consistent compression to thepatient's forearm and wrist. The lace 140 and each moveably attachedlacing closure tab 130 wrap circumferentially around—rather thanhelically along—the patient's forearm in a way that uniformly closes andtensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve 112.

Typically, one lace 140 has a first end fixed to the proximal end of theadjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 and a second end fixed to the distalend of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150. In an exemplaryembodiment, the one or more dorsal-panel eyelets 152 (or similaropenings, such as loops, or other lace-redirection mechanisms) arepositioned between the lace's first fixed end and the lace's secondfixed end.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 in which the ends of lace 140 are fixed tothe adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150, pulling the lacing closure tab130 away from the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 126 (and overand around the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 122 and theadjustable, outer dorsal panel 150) uniformly closes and tensions theclosed wrist-brace sleeve 112 by drawing together the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section 126 and the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsalsection 122. These same considerations apply to wrist-brace embodimentsthat include multiple lacing closure tabs, such as the proximal lacingclosure tab 130′ and the distal lacing closure tab 130″ illustrated inFIGS. 13-14 .

Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the closingmechanisms will differ for wrist-brace embodiments that employ either anadjustable, outer palmar panel or an adjustable, inner radius panelinstead of an adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150. For example,wrist-brace embodiments that employ an adjustable, outer palmar panelwill also typically employ dorsal eyelets. For such wrist-braceembodiments, pulling the lacing closure tab away from the U-shapedsupport sleeve's dorsal section (and over and around the U-shapedsupport sleeve's palmar section and the adjustable, outer palmar panel)uniformly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve by drawingtogether the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section and the U-shapedsupport sleeve's palmar section.

Moreover, it is within the scope of the present wrist-brace invention toinclude one or more external flaps (not shown) on the exterior of theU-shaped support sleeve to facilitate redirection of the lace. Forexample, in a wrist-brace embodiment employing an outer dorsal panel, apalmar flap having eyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms can bepositioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section (e.g., nearthe stretchable ulnar panel), and the lace may be guided through thepalmar flap's lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., eyelets), theclosure-tab eyelets (or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms),and the dorsal-panel eyelets (or other dorsal-panel lace-redirectionmechanisms) to promote even closure of the closed wrist-brace sleeve andto achieve cast-like compression on a patient's forearm, wrist, andhand. Alternatively, in a wrist-brace embodiment employing an outerpalmar panel, for example, a dorsal flap having eyelets or otherlace-redirection mechanisms can be positioned upon the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section (e.g., near the stretchable ulnar panel), andthe lace may be guided through the dorsal flap's lace-redirectionmechanisms (e.g., eyelets), the closure-tab eyelets (or otherclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms), and the palmar-panel eyelets(or other palmar-panel lace-redirection mechanisms) to promote evenclosure of the closed wrist-brace sleeve and to achieve cast-likecompression on a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand.

In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8-12 ,a single lace 140 has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the adjustable,outer dorsal panel 150 nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel'sproximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation 141 p toward the proximal end ofthe adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150) and (ii) a second distal endfixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 nearer the adjustable,outer dorsal panel's distal end (i.e., a distal fixation 141 d towardthe distal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150). In theshorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8-12 , onedorsal-panel eyelet 152 d is centrally formed through or otherwisepositioned upon the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 between thelace's proximal fixation 141 p, and the lace's distal fixation 141 d andfour palmar eyelets 137 a, 137 c, 137 e, 137 g are formed along outerpalmar strip 127.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS.8-12 , the wrist brace 110 includes a compression-enhancing lacingconfiguration that readily equilibrates (e.g., simultaneously evens) thetension in the lace 140 as the lacing closure tab 130 is extended fromthe closed wrist-brace sleeve 112. From the proximal end of the wristbrace 110 to the distal end of the wrist brace 110, the lace 140 passesfrom its proximal fixation 141 p to and through an outer proximal palmareyelet 137 a, to and through a proximal closure-tab eyelet 131 b, to andthrough an inner proximal palmar eyelet 137 c, and to and through adorsal-panel eyelet 152 d. The lace 140 then passes from thedorsal-panel eyelet 152 d to and through an inner distal palmar eyelet137 e, to and through a distal closure-tab eyelet 131 f, to and throughan outer distal palmar eyelet 137 g, and to the distal fixation 141 d.

In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 13-14 ,a single lace 140 has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the adjustable,outer dorsal panel 150 nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel'sproximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation 141 p toward the proximal end ofthe adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150) and (ii) a second distal endfixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 nearer the adjustable,outer dorsal panel's distal end (i.e., a distal fixation 141 d towardthe distal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150). In the longerexemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 13-14 , twodorsal-panel eyelets 152 d, 152 h are formed through or otherwisepositioned upon the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 between thelace's proximal fixation 141 p and the lace's distal fixation 141 d, andsix palmar eyelets 137 a, 137 c, 137 e, 137 g, 137 i, 137 k are formedalong outer palmar strip 127.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS.13-14 , the wrist brace 110′ includes a compression-enhancing lacingconfiguration that readily equilibrates the tension in the lace 140 asthe lacing closure tabs 130′, 130″ are extended from the closedwrist-brace sleeve 112. From the proximal end of the wrist brace 110′ tothe distal end of the wrist brace 110′, the lace 140 passes from itsproximal fixation 141 p to and through an outermost proximal palmareyelet 137 a, to and through a closure-tab eyelet 131 b formed in theproximal lacing closure tab 130′, to and through a central proximalpalmar eyelet 137 c, and to a proximal dorsal-panel eyelet 152 d. Thelace 140 then passes through the proximal dorsal-panel eyelet 152 d toand through an inner proximal palmar eyelet 137 e, to and through afirst distal closure-tab eyelet 131 f formed in the distal lacingclosure tab 30″, to and through an inner distal palmar eyelet 137 g, andto a distal dorsal-panel eyelet 152 h. The lace 140 then passes throughthe distal dorsal-panel eyelet 152 h, to and through a central distalpalmar eyelet 137 i, to and through a second distal closure-tab eyelet131 j formed in the distal lacing closure tab 130″, to and through anoutermost distal palmar eyelet 137 k, and to the distal fixation 141 d.

Optionally, the lace 140 passes through one or more lacing channels 142,which may be secured to or otherwise formed in the stretchable ulnarpanel 124. In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted inFIGS. 9-12 , the lace 140 passes through one lacing channel 142 securedto the stretchable ulnar panel 124 as the lace 140 passes from the outerdistal palmar eyelet 137 g to the distal fixation 141 d. In the longerexemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 13-14 , the lace 140passes through one lacing channel 142 secured to the stretchable ulnarpanel 124 as the lace 140 passes from the outermost distal palmar eyelet137 k to the distal fixation 41 d. As will be appreciated by thosehaving ordinary skill in the art, each lacing channel 142 should bepositioned to facilitate passage of the lace 140 between the outerpalmar strip 127 and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 (or betweenthe outer palmar strip 127 and the outer dorsal strip 123 if dorsaleyelets are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the U-shapedsupport sleeve's dorsal section 122 at the outer dorsal strip 123). Forexample, positioning lacing channel(s) 142 at either the distal end orthe proximal end of the stretchable ulnar panel 124, or both the distalend and the proximal end of the stretchable ulnar panel 124, helps tomaintain the proper positioning of stretchable ulnar panel 124 againstthe patient's forearm. In practice, securing the lace 140 to thestretchable ulnar panel 124 via one or more lacing channels 142,typically at the distal end and/or proximal end of a cushioned,stretchable ulnar panel 124, reduces patient discomfort by preventingthe lace 140 from migrating beyond the end of the stretchable ulnarpanel 124 when the wrist brace 10 is compressively and securely appliedto the patient's wrist and forearm.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiments depicted inFIGS. 8-12 and FIGS. 13-14 , hook-and-loop fasteners 145 are secured tothe surfaces of the wrist brace 110 to facilitate closure of the wristbrace 110 to the patient's forearm, wrist, and hand. For example,loop-fasteners 146 (e.g., loop-fastener strips) can be secured to theouter surfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve 120, typically at thetopside dorsal section 122, the radius section 114, and the undersidepalmar section 126, and to the outer surface of the adjustable, outerdorsal panel 150. Hook-fasteners 147 are provided elsewhere on the wristbrace 110, such as on the inner surface of the adjustable, outer dorsalpanel 150, on an inner surface of each lacing closure tab 130, and on asurface at the end of the thumb-tensioning strap 117. For example,hook-fasteners 147 applied to the inner surface of the adjustable, outerdorsal panel 150 facilitate releasable affixation to the loop-fastener146 secured to the outer surfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve 120(e.g., the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 can be releasably affixedto the topside dorsal section 122 and/or the radius section 114 viahook-and-loop fasteners). Loop-fasteners 146 applied to the outersurface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 and the outer surfacesof the U-shaped support sleeve 120 facilitate releasable affixation byeach lacing closure tab 130 and the thumb-tensioning strap 117.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8-12 and FIGS. 13-14 , the patient may securethe wrist brace 110 to his forearm, wrist, and hand by pulling a lacingclosure tab 130 perpendicularly away from the U-shaped support sleeve'spalmar section 126 and over and around the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section 122 and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150. Thisevenly closes and tensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve 112 by drawingtogether the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 126 and theU-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 122. Depending on the girth ofthe patient's forearm, the hook-fasteners 147 on a surface of the lacingclosure tab 130 will engage one or more loop-fasteners 146 positionedupon the outer surface of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel 150 and/orthe respective outer surfaces of the dorsal section 122, the radiussection 114, and/or the palmar section 126. The hook-fastener 147 at theend of the thumb-tensioning strap 117 can be releasably secured toeither the U-shaped support sleeve's radius section 114 or the U-shapedsupport sleeve's palmar section 126.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporatesentirely by reference the following commonly assigned patentapplications: U.S. Patent Application No. 62/257,933 for a Wrist Bracewith Enhanced Lacing (filed Nov. 20, 2015); U.S. Patent Application No.62/400,343 for a Wrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (filed Sep. 27, 2016);and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/355,463 for a Wrist Brace withEnhanced Lacing (concurrently filed Nov. 18, 2016), now U.S. Pat. No.10,966,857.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of thewrist-brace invention have been disclosed. The present wrist-braceinvention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of theterm “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. The figures are schematic representations andso are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specificterms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not forpurposes of limitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A wrist brace, comprising: a U-shapedsupport sleeve having a dorsal section, a radius section, and a palmarsection, wherein the radius section is contiguously positioned betweenthe dorsal section and the palmar section, and wherein the palmarsection has one or more palmar lace-redirection mechanisms; an ulnarpanel connecting the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section and theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section, the ulnar panel being affixedto the U-shaped support sleeve such that together the U-shaped supportsleeve and ulnar panel form a closed wrist-brace sleeve; an adjustable,outer dorsal panel releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve onor near the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section, the adjustable,outer dorsal panel having one or more dorsal-panel lace-redirectionmechanisms; a lacing closure tab having one or more closure-tab,lace-redirection mechanisms; and a lace having (i) a first end fixed tothe adjustable, outer dorsal panel nearer the adjustable, outer dorsalpanel's proximal end and (ii) a second end fixed to the adjustable,outer dorsal panel nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel's distalend; wherein the lace is freely threaded through the respectivedorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms, palmar lace-redirectionmechanisms, and closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms.
 2. The wristbrace according to claim 1, comprising a thumb-tensioning strap thatextends from the distal end of the U-shaped support sleeve's radiussection, wherein the thumb-tensioning strap is positioned between apatient's thumb and forefinger, wrapped around the patient's thumb, andthen securely and releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeveand/or the adjustable, outer dorsal panel when the wrist brace issecured to the patient's wrist and forearm.
 3. The wrist brace accordingto claim 1, wherein: the lacing closure tab having one or moreclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms is a first lacing closure tabhaving one or more first closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms; thewrist brace comprises a second lacing closure tab having one or moresecond closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms; and the lace is freelythreaded through the respective dorsal-panel lace-redirectionmechanisms, palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, first closure-tablace-redirection mechanisms, and second closure-tab lace-redirectionmechanisms.
 4. The wrist brace according to claim 1, wherein: the lace'sfirst end is fixed at the proximal end of the adjustable, outer dorsalpanel; the lace's second end is fixed at the distal end of theadjustable, outer dorsal panel; and at least one dorsal-panellace-redirection mechanism is positioned between the lace's first endand the lace's second end.
 5. The wrist brace according to claim 1,wherein: the palmar lace-redirection mechanisms comprise palmar eyeletspositioned on the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section in an outerpalmar strip that is defined by the ulnar panel and an adjacent outeredge of the U-shaped support sleeve; the dorsal-panel lace-redirectionmechanisms comprise dorsal-panel eyelets positioned on the adjustable,outer dorsal panel; and/or the closure-tab, lace-redirection mechanismscomprise closure-tab eyelets positioned on the lacing closure tab. 6.The wrist brace according to claim 1, comprising: a stiffening dorsalstay secured at the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section, the dorsalstay conforming to the shape of a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand;and/or stiffening radius stay secured at the U-shaped support sleeve'sradius section, the radius stay conforming to the shape of a patient'sforearm, wrist, and hand; and/or a stiffening palmar stay secured at theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section, the palmar stay conforming tothe shape of a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand; and/or a stiffeningdorsal-panel stay secured at the adjustable, outer dorsal panel, thedorsal-panel stay conforming to the shape of a patient's forearm, wrist,and hand.
 7. The wrist brace according to claim 1, comprising a lacingchannel secured to the ulnar panel, wherein the lace is freely threadedthrough the lacing channel.
 8. The wrist brace according to claim 1,wherein the lacing closure tab is releasably affixed to the U-shapedsupport sleeve and/or the adjustable, outer dorsal panel when the wristbrace is secured to a patient's wrist and forearm.
 9. The wrist braceaccording to claim 1, wherein pulling the lacing closure tab away fromthe U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section and over and around theU-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section and the adjustable, outerdorsal panel uniformly closes the wrist-brace sleeve by drawing togetherthe U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section and the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section.
 10. A wrist brace, comprising: a U-shapedsupport sleeve having a dorsal section, a radius section, and a palmarsection, wherein the radius section is contiguously positioned betweenthe dorsal section and the palmar section, and wherein the palmarsection has one or more palmar lace-redirection mechanisms; an ulnarpanel connecting the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section and theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section, the ulnar panel being affixedto the U-shaped support sleeve such that together the U-shaped supportsleeve and ulnar panel form a closed wrist-brace sleeve; an adjustable,outer dorsal panel releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve onor near the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section, the adjustable,outer dorsal panel having one or more dorsal-panel lace-redirectionmechanisms; a thumb-tensioning strap that extends from the distal end ofthe U-shaped support sleeve's radius section, wherein thethumb-tensioning strap is positioned between a patient's thumb andforefinger, wrapped around the patient's thumb, and then securely andreleasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve and/or the adjustable,outer dorsal panel when the wrist brace is secured to the patient'swrist and forearm; a lacing closure tab having one or more closure-tab,lace-redirection mechanisms; and a lace having (i) a first end fixed tothe adjustable, outer dorsal panel nearer the adjustable, outer dorsalpanel's proximal end and (ii) a second end fixed to the adjustable,outer dorsal panel nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel's distalend, wherein at least one dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanism ispositioned between the lace's first end and the lace's second end;wherein the lace is freely threaded through the respective dorsal-panellace-redirection mechanisms, palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, andclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms.
 11. The wrist brace accordingto claim 10, wherein: the lacing closure tab having one or moreclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms is a first lacing closure tabhaving one or more first closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms; thewrist brace comprises a second lacing closure tab having one or moresecond closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms; and the lace is freelythreaded through the respective dorsal-panel lace-redirectionmechanisms, palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, first closure-tablace-redirection mechanisms, and second closure-tab lace-redirectionmechanisms.
 12. The wrist brace according to claim 10, wherein: thepalmar lace-redirection mechanisms comprise palmar eyelets positioned onthe U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section in an outer palmar stripthat is defined by the ulnar panel and an adjacent outer edge of theU-shaped support sleeve; the dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanismscomprise dorsal-panel eyelets positioned on the adjustable, outer dorsalpanel; and/or the closure-tab, lace-redirection mechanisms compriseclosure-tab eyelets positioned on the lacing closure tab.
 13. The wristbrace according to claim 10, comprising: a stiffening dorsal staysecured at the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section, the dorsal stayconforming to the shape of a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand; and/orstiffening radius stay secured at the U-shaped support sleeve's radiussection, the radius stay conforming to the shape of a patient's forearm,wrist, and hand; and/or a stiffening palmar stay secured at the U-shapedsupport sleeve's palmar section, the palmar stay conforming to the shapeof a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand; and/or a stiffeningdorsal-panel stay secured at the adjustable, outer dorsal panel, thedorsal-panel stay conforming to the shape of a patient's forearm, wrist,and hand.
 14. The wrist brace according to claim 10, comprising a lacingchannel secured to the ulnar panel, wherein the lace is freely threadedthrough the lacing channel.
 15. The wrist brace according to claim 10,wherein pulling the lacing closure tab away from the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section and over and around the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section and the adjustable, outer dorsal panel uniformlycloses the wrist-brace sleeve by drawing together the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section and the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsalsection.
 16. A wrist brace, comprising: a U-shaped support sleeve havinga dorsal section, a radius section, and a palmar section, wherein theradius section is contiguously positioned between the dorsal section andthe palmar section, and wherein the palmar section has one or morepalmar lace-redirection mechanisms; an ulnar panel connecting theU-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section and the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section, the ulnar panel being affixed to the U-shapedsupport sleeve such that together the U-shaped support sleeve and ulnarpanel form a closed wrist-brace sleeve; an adjustable, outer dorsalpanel releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve on or near theU-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section, the adjustable, outer dorsalpanel having one or more dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms; athumb-tensioning strap that extends from the distal end of the U-shapedsupport sleeve's radius section, wherein the thumb-tensioning strap ispositioned between a patient's thumb and forefinger, wrapped around thepatient's thumb, and then securely and releasably affixed to theU-shaped support sleeve and/or the adjustable, outer dorsal panel whenthe wrist brace is secured to the patient's wrist and forearm; a lacingclosure tab having one or more closure-tab, lace-redirection mechanisms;and a lace having (i) a first end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsalpanel nearer the adjustable, outer dorsal panel's proximal end and (ii)a second end fixed to the adjustable, outer dorsal panel nearer theadjustable, outer dorsal panel's distal end; wherein the lace is freelythreaded through the respective dorsal-panel lace-redirectionmechanisms, palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, and closure-tablace-redirection mechanisms; and wherein pulling the lacing closure tabaway from the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section and over andaround the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section and the adjustable,outer dorsal panel uniformly closes the wrist-brace sleeve by drawingtogether the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section and the U-shapedsupport sleeve's dorsal section.
 17. The wrist brace according to claim16, wherein: the lacing closure tab having one or more closure-tablace-redirection mechanisms is a first lacing closure tab having one ormore first closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms; the wrist bracecomprises a second lacing closure tab having one or more secondclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms; and the lace is freely threadedthrough the respective dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms, palmarlace-redirection mechanisms, first closure-tab lace-redirectionmechanisms, and second closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms.
 18. Thewrist brace according to claim 16, wherein: the lace's first end isfixed at the proximal end of the adjustable, outer dorsal panel; thelace's second end is fixed at the distal end of the adjustable, outerdorsal panel; and at least one dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanismis positioned between the lace's first end and the lace's second end.19. The wrist brace according to claim 16, wherein: the palmarlace-redirection mechanisms comprise palmar eyelets positioned on theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section in an outer palmar strip thatis defined by the ulnar panel and an adjacent outer edge of the U-shapedsupport sleeve; the dorsal-panel lace-redirection mechanisms comprisedorsal-panel eyelets positioned on the adjustable, outer dorsal panel;and/or the closure-tab, lace-redirection mechanisms comprise closure-tabeyelets positioned on the lacing closure tab.
 20. The wrist braceaccording to claim 16, wherein the lacing closure tab is releasablyaffixed to the U-shaped support sleeve and/or the adjustable, outerdorsal panel when the wrist brace is secured to a patient's wrist andforearm.